Men: you're never too old to learn new skills says law firm

Thursfields Solicitors is supporting a scheme which helps mainly older men to get together, share and learn new skills – all in the welcoming space of a “shed”.

The Men in Sheds programme originates from an Australian project started in the 1990s to tackle loneliness and social isolation, and Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest has been operating the Bromsgrove group since 2016.

Now Thursfields is sponsoring a Shed Share for a year at the Stoke Prior base where the group meets, helping to provide a supportive and friendly setting where anybody – it’s not just exclusive to men – can attend.

Michelle Hetheridge, director of Wills & Estates at Thursfields, said: “We are delighted to support the Men in Sheds group.

“As a local company we are always looking for ways in which we can support the local community, and this is a wonderful project to be involved with.”

Thursfields is backing the group after Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest launched an appeal for businesses, groups and individuals to help the group by sponsoring a Shed Share for a year for £100.

Jo Hughes, marketing executive at Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, said: “A big thanks to Thursfields for being the latest company to help make sure we can continue to run this much-valued group.

“Recent studies have highlighted that older men are increasingly experiencing loneliness and that there are very few activities available which appeal to older men, which is why it’s so important that we ensure that initiatives such as Bromsgrove Men’s Sheds can continue.”

The Men in Sheds group meet from 10am to 2pm, Mondays to Thursdays at Unit 1, Metal Ores Industrial Estate, 138 Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior.

For more information on the group, or for sponsorship details contact Jo Hughes on 01527 868855 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/activities-and-events/men-in-sheds/.